Sue Barker has quit as host of the BBC's Sports Personality Of The Year ceremony after fronting the show for 19 years.

The 57-year-old broadcaster and former tennis star will serve on the judging panel for this year's 60th awards but will no longer host the BBC1 ceremony, which will take place on December 15.

Gary Lineker and Clare Balding will present the illustrious event with Gabby Logan, who is new to the show, from the First Direct Arena in Leeds.

The BBC said Barker would still "play a major role in contributing to this year's live show", and she will continue to present other shows such as coverage of Wimbledon and the Winter Olympics.

Magical time: Sue Barker said she had 'loved every minute' of presenting the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (BBC)
Barker explained the move as part of an effort to "downsize" her commitments, saying, "It has been an honour to present BBC Sports Personality Of The Year for the last 19 years and I have loved every minute of it.

"The BBC have asked me to stay but I had made the decision to downsize my commitments a while ago, and I knew that the time would be right after what was always set to be a magical 2012.

"I will still be very much involved with the show though and am looking forward to the 60th anniversary celebrations coming up this year."

BBC director of sport Barbara Slater said Barker's decision to leave was being announced "with a sad heart".

"This is Sue's decision and one that we all respect," she said.

"However fans needn't worry. She won't be absent from our screens on the night; bringing some special elements to the show as we look back on what has been another bumper year for UK sport.

"Sue will also remain very much a key part of our presenting team at BBC Sport as we prepare for a busy 2014 sporting calendar."

Members of the judging panel - who also include BBC Radio 5 Live's Mark Pougatch, Dame Kelly Holmes, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Michael Vaughan - will choose the shortlist, which will then be opened to a public vote.